IT is not about who forms the next government but how committed they are to the progress of the country and the people.

This was the message of India's President Pranab Mukherjee on India's 65th Republic Day which was relayed by India's high commissioner to Fiji Vinod Kumar during a special flag-raising ceremony at his Tamavua residence yesterday.

Mr Kumar said like Fiji, India too would be holding its national election later this year.

"As we head towards election like what president of India said in his national address that it's not relevant who forms the next government but rather whoever forms the next government is committed to the progress of the country and the progress of the people," Mr Kumar said.

He said India was looking forward to their election and hoped the next government would continue to work for the progress of the people of India.

Mr Kumar said they were happy to see the people of Fiji prepare for the election and conveyed his nation's best wishes to the country. "We hope that this relationship will continue to flourish and both nations will continue to work for the development of our people."

He especially thanked the people of Indian origin living overseas for their contribution to their adopted homelands.

"We have more than 1000 Indian citizens working here in various capacities. And while they will not be participating in the election here, they will have an opportunity to watch the election in Fiji and enjoy how democracy functions."